We came for fairy lights and the Big W did not disappoint…read more They have pretty much everything you can think of needing: cat toys, slippers, paper, shirts, snacks, and a lovely person to welcome you to this humble palace of shopping. Since it was so close to Christmas, the lights were on sale. Woo! I was able to catch up on celebrity gossip by scanning the magazine covers by the checkout lane. So many magazines to choose from!

The variety is rather wide but there is one thing in particular that brings all these pieces…read moretogether. Class and sophistication. There is an essence of quality that oozes out of every piece found in Frances Pilley, whose wares are both imported and supplied locally by reputable artisans. The brands include Reiss enamelware, Johnstons lambs wool throws, Tade Syrian soap, Libeco Lagae linen, La Cie des Provence body products and Place des Lices perfumes. The prices are little extravagant, but if you're finding the 'roughing it' of the caravan park and the hot sun of the country a little much this is a pleasant escape for twenty minutes or so.

Shop looks lovely, well set out and clean. But that is where it ends, the owners are so rude I seen…read morehow they spoke to and about the service people they employed I ended up walking out. I do not do business with people like that.

As you probably know, whenever I see a second-hand bookshop I simply have to divert my attention…read moreand go inside and have a look around, namely because I never know what I might end up finding here. Okay, they can be pretty hit or miss, but this one was definitely a hit because they actually had some pretty cool books on the shelves. That generally does pose a problem because it ultimately results in me buying more books than I can possibly read in a lifetime. Still, I do enjoyed browsing, and of course ultimately buying anyway.

There is the most amazing Pinocchio puppet in the front window, stained wood and turned, as if a…read morebreeze has twisted him away from the shop front to look inside. How do you say no to an invitation like that? Inside I discover the most amazing place to visit. Full of the wide range of traditional, quirky and the unusual goods under the 'toy' moniker, this establishment, while only opening in 2000, stocks the most amazing and often collectable pieces around Be your passion dolls - the Russians, the Kokeshi, and a wide range from Europe on offer. Be your passion Bears - the Steiff, 125 years old and counting Be your passion Thomas the tank engine - all his bits are here! Along with these you'll find those magical clockwork and spinning tin toys you see in old school mags, that maybe your parents used to own. The people found behind the counter are just as mad about the toys as you are - they'd have to be to survive in a place like this - so ask away if you can touch and play!

The funny thing was that this place had an exhibition on, and the exhibition basically consisted of…read morea single painting. Then again, it is a regional art gallery, so they generally don't tend to be all that large, or at least this one wasn't particularly large. Mind you, the painting did happen to be a rather famous Australian painting, and there were an awful lot of information, and sketches, associated with it as well. It was a shame that they didn't have other rooms where they had local art, or at least a collection, though because I didn't have to pay to go inside, that certainly was a bonus.

Tim and Jaden came to lay my new carpet. These technicians were friendly, professional and…read morecompleted their work with diligence. I highly recommend this business for service and the different qualities of carpet that they offer to their customers.

Small but generally good selection of wine and beer. We found some local and nostalgic wines that…read morewe debated getting. We settled on a bit of both. They were super cool about us taking our time. Very cool having the Big W right next door. We were able to get most of our party shopping done in one stop. Woot!

All form, no function. This place looks great. Too bad that…read moredoesn't translate into the experience. The food was ok, but a little pricey (I had the chicken and quinoa salad), and there are no vegetarian options or allowances for dietary requirements. The coffee is terrible and burnt. The only salt has seaweed in it. When we asked if we could get a steak knife they didn't have any. The service is slow, and the waiters seem to be experts in avoiding eye contact.

Fathers Day and there's a nice hum at Rees & Rees and co-located cafe, Bertsy & Co. I came for a…read moreheart starter coffee and some cake - because I deserve it! Chose the Florentine. To die for! Best ever, and when I commented on this to a couple of the Bertsy team members, they smiled knowingly and said it was an old Italian recipe. North East Victoria continues to benefit from its long and rich Italian history. Rees & Rees and Bertsy & Co have become a local favourite. Somewhere to relax and enjoy the ambience, beautiful homewares, good food and warm service.